Ghostly Prison MTG Card


Ghostly Prison provides defensive edge by taxing opponents’ choices, enhancing your game plan indirectly. It’s versatile in decks, impacting the battlefield instantly and altering opponents’ attack strategies. Despite the mana cost, its benefits in controlling aggressive strategies make it a valuable addition.
Card setsReleased in 17 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Creatures can't attack you unless their controller pays for each creature attacking you. (This cost is paid as attackers are declared.)

Destroyed in one of the first battles of the Kami War, the town of Reito still grieved.


Cards like Ghostly Prison

Ghostly Prison has earned its place as a staple in MTG decks focused on defense and strategy. Within this niche, its closest relative is Propaganda from the blue color pie, which mirrors the effect of Ghostly Prison but with a blue mana requirement. Both cards are excellent at deterring opponents’ attacks by making creatures more expensive to swing with. However, Ghostly Prison’s white color alignment often makes it more accessible in mono-white or multicolored decks emphasizing white.

Another card that operates similarly is Sphere of Safety. As enchantments start accumulating on your side of the battlefield, Sphere of Safety can often outpace Ghostly Prison in providing protection. Both are key in enchantment-heavy decks but under different circumstances, Ghostly Prison might be preferred for its lower mana cost. On the other side, Norn’s Annex offers protection through a Phyrexian mana system, allowing for a flexible payment of life or white mana, and it also requires opponents to pay for each attacking creature if they are not white.

In weighing the benefits of Ghostly Prison against its counterparts, it shines in its straightforward mana cost and ease of integration into various deck types, anchoring itself as a top contender in the world of MTG for defense-focused cards.

Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Sphere of Safety - MTG Card versions
Norn's Annex - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Sphere of Safety - MTG Card versions
Norn's Annex - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ghostly Prison by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Ghostly Prison. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
LIBOR & TaxesLIBOR & Taxes Free formd00mwake's Pure Modern 5
Five-color MidrangeFive-color Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 06 2024
Mono-White PrisonMono-White Prison ModernWhite DevotionDEN24 Sat 9:00 - U.S. Regional Championship - presented by Laughing Dragon
EnchantressEnchantress ModernEnchantressModern Challenge 96 2023-12-16
Mono-White ComboMono-White Combo Vintage2023 NA Vintage Champs

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ghostly Prison may not let you draw cards, but it plays an indirect role in generating card advantage by deterring opponents from attacking with multiple creatures. This allows you to maintain your defenses and potentially preserve the creatures you would have lost in combat.

Resource Acceleration: While Ghostly Prison doesn’t directly ramp your mana, it can accelerate your game plan by forcing opponents to make difficult choices about using their mana to pay costs to attack, thus potentially hindering their own development and allowing you to get ahead.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant, Ghostly Prison affects the battlefield the moment it lands, imposing an immediate cost on attacks. This passive defense remains active, drastically altering your opponents’ strategies and securing your board position at all times during the game.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Ghostly Prison demands a specific mana alignment, requiring two white mana for its casting. This can restrict flexibility, especially in multicolored decks that may struggle to allocate the necessary resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Ghostly Prison can be a significant early-game investment. Other cards with lower mana costs might provide more immediate board impact, which can be crucial in faster-paced games.

Discard Requirement: Although Ghostly Prison doesn’t directly require discarding as a part of its casting or effect, it’s worth noting that its presence in your deck might force you to discard other cards as you prioritize resources to ensure its timely play. This can be particularly noticeable in situations where a player is under intense pressure to maintain a defense.


Reasons to Include Ghostly Prison in Your Collection

Versatility: Ghostly Prison can be a pivotal card in both casual and competitive decks that focus on defense. Its ability to deter opponents from attacking makes it a solid addition to decks aiming to stabilize the board and win through alternative strategies beyond creature combat.

Combo Potential: This enchantment pairs well with other pillow-fort cards such as Propaganda, creating a formidable defense that can tax opponents heavily, making it harder for them to carry out their game plan. Combo enthusiasts will find that it slots in seamlessly with cards that encourage multiplayer attacks or penalize heavy creature strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive decks are prevalent, the inclusion of Ghostly Prison can slow down opponents and give you the time you need to deploy your win conditions. Its relevance tends to increase when the meta is crowded with creature-based strategies, making it a timely card to keep in your arsenal.


How to beat

Ghostly Prison is a notable card within Magic: The Gathering that thwarts opponents by imposing a cost to attack you. It challenges the aggressor to allocate additional mana for each creature they wish to swing with. Nonetheless, the key to defeating this pesky enchantment lies in resource management and strategic planning. Cards such as Disenchant provide a straightforward solution by directly removing Ghostly Prison from play. Alternative strategies involve utilizing creatures with abilities that don’t hinge on attacking, like those that tap to deal damage or invoke powerful effects.

Playing around Ghostly Prison includes maintaining a healthy mana base to afford both creature deployment and the occasional necessary payments to push through pivotal attacks. Cards that allow for mana ramping or mana fixing can be instrumental in outpacing the constraints Ghostly Prison imposes. Ultimately, patience and precision are admirable virtues. By biding your time and committing to the board judiciously, you can amass enough power to either pay the toll and launch a decisive assault or simply handle the enchantment through spells and abilities designed to bypass or destroy such restrictions.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the intricacies of MTG with Ghostly Prison, a card that redefines battlefield control. Whether you’re streamlining your defensive strategy or seeking ways to outmaneuver aggressive opponents, understanding the full potential of this card is crucial. Enhance your collection with this dynamic enchantment and explore combos that fortify your defenses. Ghostly Prison is more than just a card; it’s a key element in crafting a deck that withstands the tide of battle. Expand your MTG knowledge and discover new pathways to victory. Join us for a comprehensive exploration of deck-building techniques and tips for optimizing your play.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ghostly Prison MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Champions of Kamigawa, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Ghostly Prison and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ghostly Prison Magic the Gathering card was released in 17 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 435382003NormalBlackWayne England
22004-10-01Champions of KamigawaCHK 102003NormalBlackLars Grant-West
32010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A82003NormalBlackLars Grant-West
42011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 142003NormalBlackWayne England
52012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 72003NormalBlackWayne England
62015-11-18Legendary Cube Prize PackPZ1 42015NormalBlackWayne England
72016-08-26Conspiracy: Take the CrownCN2 862015NormalBlackWayne England
82016-11-11Commander 2016C16 662015NormalBlackWayne England
92016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 72015NormalBlackWayne England
102019-08-23Commander 2019C19 642015NormalBlackWayne England
112019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4242015NormalBlackAi Nanahira
122021-02-05Kaldheim CommanderKHC 262015NormalBlackDaarken
132021-04-23Commander 2021C21 922015NormalBlackDaarken
142021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 872015NormalBlackDaarken
152023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One CommanderONC 712015NormalBlackDaarken
162023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 192015NormalBorderlessVolkan Baǵa
172024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 672015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ghostly Prison has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ghostly Prison card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2007-02-01 In the Two-Headed Giant format, you still only have to pay once per creature.
2014-02-01 Unless some effect explicitly says otherwise, a creature that can't attack you can still attack a planeswalker you control.